Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: County of Goodhue

Location: Red Wing, MN, US

Job Type: Full Time Regular EE

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-12T21:22:00

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and preliminary engineering for critical construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to project scopes and timelines.

• Manage the acquisition of right-of-way and oversee the Department’s ownership and stewardship of public lands, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Provide essential support to Department Management in the preparation and execution of various operational programs and initiatives.

• Supervise and mentor Engineering Technicians, fostering professional development and ensuring high-quality technical output.

• Perform comprehensive bridge inspections as part of the annual in-service inspection program, contributing to the safety and longevity of public infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and qualifications strongly indicate a role deeply embedded within civil engineering and public infrastructure management, with a significant focus on right-of-way acquisition and project design oversight. This role requires a blend of technical engineering expertise, project management acumen, and public sector administrative skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for highway and bridge construction projects, from conceptualization and preliminary engineering to final plan development.

• Manage all aspects of right-of-way acquisition, including negotiations, eminent domain procedures, and property management for public land ownership.

• Conduct thorough annual in-service bridge inspections, identifying structural issues, assessing condition, and recommending necessary repairs or maintenance.

• Support senior management in the strategic planning and execution of departmental programs, contributing to operational efficiency and goal achievement.

• Guide and direct the work of Engineering Technicians, ensuring accuracy in technical drawings, calculations, and field data collection.

• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to supporting departmental objectives across various operational functions.

• Ensure all design plans and right-of-way acquisitions comply with federal, state, and local regulations and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both the technical design aspects of infrastructure projects and the administrative/legal complexities of right-of-way management. The role requires a strong understanding of civil engineering principles, project lifecycle management, and public land administration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, coupled with the successful passing of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

• Alternatively, a 2-year degree in Civil Engineering Technology combined with at least eight years of progressive design experience specifically related to highway and bridge construction. Experience:

• A minimum of eight years of relevant design experience in highway and bridge construction is required if possessing a 2-year degree. A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with FE certification may require a slightly different experience profile, generally expected to be in the 10+ year range for a management role of this scope. Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering Design: Proficiency in designing highways, bridges, and related infrastructure, including an understanding of structural principles, materials, and construction methods.

• Right-of-Way Management: Expertise in acquiring and managing real estate for public projects, including negotiation, surveying, and legal documentation.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, overseeing timelines, budgets, and resource allocation from inception to completion.

• Plan Development: Skill in creating detailed engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents suitable for public bidding and construction.

• Bridge Inspection: Knowledge of inspection protocols, structural assessment techniques, and reporting requirements for bridge maintenance and safety.

• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Certification: Demonstrated foundational engineering knowledge, often a precursor to Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

• Notary Public Commission: Ability to obtain and maintain Notary Public status within six months of hire to perform official duties related to land acquisition and legal documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: A PE license would signify a higher level of expertise and accountability in civil engineering practice.

• Public Sector Project Experience: Familiarity with government procurement processes, public works